Valerie Decleer: A Biography of a Photographer and Painter

Valerie Decleer, a painter and photographer, was born in Ostend, Belgium, and currently resides and works in Moere (Gistel). Her work is a candid expression of her body and soul, rooted in a delicate yet abundant mystery. It touches on themes such as a yearning for something lost, a struggle for freedom, and the power and beauty of nature.
 
Valerie grew up surrounded by art and was exposed to her father's art studio at a young age. Initially, she expressed herself through drawings and paintings. She later attended the Ostend Academy to hone her artistic skills. The academy's most prominent artist, James Ensor, was a significant influence on her work and continues to inspire her to this day.
 
Not wanting to be compared to her father, Valerie later turned to photography to develop her own style. It took her a while to develop her unique approach, experimenting with colors, framing, and the interplay between visual and emotional elements. She finally reached a point where she felt that technique and meaning intertwined.
 
Valerie's work has been showcased in numerous exhibitions worldwide. She participated in various group exhibitions in Italy, Hungary, Greece, and Colombia. In 2021, she was part of an essential Belgian group exhibition called "A Butterfly's Scream" in Beernem, organized by PAK (Platform for Contemporary Arts). This was a landmark moment for her, followed by several exhibitions throughout Belgium. In 2023, PAK sponsored a limited edition of her work "Penelope."
 
Valerie graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Bruges in 2011, where she developed her skills in oil painting. Her first oil paintings from the "Garden Memories" series were on display in the 2023 group exhibition "De Natuur" at PAK.